A.1 Nerual development

IB Syllabus Statements

Understandings:

The neural tube of embryonic chordates is formed by infolding of ectoderm followed by elongation of the tube.
Neurons are initially produced by differentiation in the neural tube.
Immature neurons migrate to a final location.
An axon grows from each immature neuron in response to chemical stimuli.
Some axons extend beyond the neural tube to reach other parts of the body.
A developing neuron forms multiple synapses.
Synapses that are not used do not persist.
Neural pruning involves the loss of unused neurons.
The plasticity of the nervous system allows it to change with experience.

Applications and skills:

Application: Incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube can cause
spina bifida.
Application: Events such as strokes may promote reorganization of brain function.
Skill: Annotation of a diagram of embryonic tissues in Xenopus, used as an animal model, during neurulation.

Explain how the use of animal models benefits research in developmental neuroscience.
Outline the formation of the neural tube in embryonic chordates.
Outline the production of neurons and the migration of immature neurons.
Outline the growth of an axon from an immature neuron.
Explain how some axons may reach other parts of the body.
Explain how multiple synapses are formed from a neuron.
What is neural pruning?
Explain the importance of the plasticity of the nervous system.
Outline the cause of spina bafida.
Explain how strokes may promote reorganization of brain function.
Explain how you would annotate a diagram of embryonic tissues in Xenopus, used as an animal model, during neurulation.
Explain how cultural experiences may result in neural pruning.
Explain the benefit of researching the growth of nerve tissues for spinal cord injury patients.